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Christmas food special

You know what it's like: hordes for dinner, and panic in the kitchen is about to set in. Don't let it. With a bit of inspiration, some forward planning and the courage to try something new, you can make your cooking a triumph. From twists on the classic recipes, and delicious alternatives to the traditional bird and pud, to timings, nibbles and seriously vampy veg, we've got Christmas under control for you

Starters made simple

Imagine the perfect Christmas dinner. Candles lit, a beautifully decorated table glittering with silver, glass and crackers, the air fragrant with the scent of roast turkey - the very idea fills one with a warm glow. Now consider the reality: a lovely table, gorgeous smells, contented guests and, amid a pile of dirty pots and pans, a stressed, dishevelled cook. Seeking perfection in a domestic kitchen at Christmas is the hardest call for even the most